JD Vance Remains Republicans’ Top Pick For 2028

A new national survey shows Vice President JD Vance maintaining a commanding lead among Republicans and right-leaning independents as the preferred choice for the next GOP presidential primary—though Secretary of State Marco Rubio is quietly gaining ground.

The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll, which surveyed 952 Republicans and 225 GOP-leaning independents nationwide, found Vance leading the field with 36% support. That figure nearly doubles the 19% earned by Donald Trump Jr., who placed second. Another 14% of respondents said they were undecided.

Rubio Emerges as Rising Contender

While Vance remains the clear frontrunner, the poll signals shifting dynamics within the Republican base. Rubio secured 9% support overall—good for third place—but notably performed even stronger among independent voters, where he ranked second.

Perhaps more telling, Rubio is the only top-tier candidate in the poll who gained support compared to a similar survey conducted in October, suggesting his profile within the party is on the rise.

That trend appears to be echoed among influential GOP donors.

At a recent gathering hosted by President Donald J. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, attendees reportedly responded enthusiastically when asked to weigh in on both Vance and Rubio.

“What do you think of JD Vance and Marco Rubio?” Trump asked, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Sources indicated that Rubio received louder applause than Vance—an informal but notable signal from a key segment of the Republican donor class.

Trump Draws Sharp Contrast in Leadership Styles

President Trump has also publicly highlighted differences between the two men, particularly in their approach to foreign policy and diplomacy.

Speaking at a Florida press conference, Trump suggested that Vance can at times take a more aggressive tone.

“He gets a little bit tough on occasion; we gotta slow him down on occasion,” Trump said.

In contrast, Trump described Rubio’s approach as more measured—but no less effective.

“Then we have the opposite extreme,” Trump said.

“Marco does it with a velvet glove. But it’s a kill.”

The comments come amid broader discussions within the administration regarding foreign policy strategy, including differing perspectives on U.S. involvement in Iran.

Influence Within Trump’s Inner Circle

Despite Rubio’s growing momentum, Vance appears to retain a stronger foothold among voters when it comes to influence inside Trump’s orbit.

A separate survey conducted by the Daily Mail and JL Partners found Vance leading with 19% when voters were asked who holds the most sway in the president’s inner circle. Rubio trailed at 12%, while Stephen Miller and Donald Trump Jr. were tied for third.

However, Rubio’s broader favorability metrics have shown mixed signals. His approval rating dipped from 40% in February to 36% in early March, while 34% of respondents expressed disapproval.

Public Unity Despite Speculation

Despite increasing media speculation about a potential rivalry, both Vance and Rubio have dismissed the narrative and emphasized unity within the administration.

“Marco is my closest friend in the administration,” Vance said during a February interview with Fox News.

“I think it’s so interesting the media wants to create this conflict where there just isn’t any conflict,” he added.

Rubio has similarly downplayed any suggestion of competition, even signaling support for Vance in a future presidential bid.

“If he runs for president in 2028, he’s going to be our nominee, and I’ll be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said in a previous interview.

A Party Preparing for the Future

As President Trump continues to shape the direction of the Republican Party in his second term, early signals from both voters and donors suggest a competitive—but unified—bench of potential successors.

For now, Vance holds the advantage among the grassroots, while Rubio’s steady rise points to growing confidence among independents and party insiders alike.

The stage may be set for a defining battle over the future of the America First movement—but one that, at least publicly, remains grounded in mutual respect and shared priorities.